Open source software security

Serious Vulnerability Reported in Google Chrome

A serious security vulnerability has been found in Google's new Chrome browser. Since the announcement of the new browser the security community has been putting it through the paces. Early reports indicated a few minor bugs and a vulnerability to the ubiquitous "carpet bomb" attack that has plagued other browsers. The new vulnerability reported is a full blown buffer overflow exploit that could allow remote attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser. The vulnerability apparently occurs when an overly long title tag is used, and the file is saved. Proof of concept code is available at http://security.bkis.vn/Proof-Of-Concept/PoC-XPSP2.html that includes a title tag that is 4879 characters long and is mainly gibberish but also includes several chinese characters.

The vulnerability was first announced on the Full Disclosure mailing list:

We (SVRT-Bkis) have just discovered vulnerability in Google Chrome
0.2.149.27. This is a Critical Buffer Overflow Vulnerability permiting
hacker to perform a remote attack and take complete control of the affected
system.
We have submitted this Vulnerability to Google. They confirmed and assign a
verifier for build 0.2.149.28.
Proof of Concept:
We tested Google Chrome 0.2.149.27 on Windows XP SP2 (Open Calculator)
http://security.bkis.vn/Proof-Of-Concept/PoC-XPSP2.html
With others Windows not XP SP 2:
http://security.bkis.vn/Proof-Of-Concept/PoC-Crash.html
Details:
- Type of Issue : Buffer Overflow.
- Affected Software : Google Chrome 0.2.149.27.
- Exploitation Environment : Google Chrome on Windows XP SP2.
- Impact: Remote code execution.
- Rating : Critical.
- Description :
The vulnerability is caused due to a boundary error when handling the
�SaveAs� function. On saving a malicious page with an overly long title
(<title> tag in HTML), the program causes a stack-based overflow and makes
it possible for attackers to execute arbitrary code on users� systems.
- How an attacker could exploit the issue :
To exploit the Vulnerability, a hacker might construct a specially crafted
Web page, which contains malicious code. He then tricks users into visiting
his Website and convinces them to save this Page. Right after that, the code
would be executed, giving him the privilege to make use of the affected
system.
- Discoverer : Le Duc Anh - SVRT - Bkis
- About SVRT :
SVRT, which is short for Security Vulnerability Research Team, is one of
Bkis researching groups. SVRT specializes in the detection, alert and
announcement of security vulnerabilities in software, operating systems,
network protocols and embedded systems�
- About Bkis :
Bkis (Bach Khoa Internetwork Security) is Vietnamese leading Center in
researching, deploying network security software and solutions.
- Website : http://security.bkis.vn
- Mail : svrt[at]bkav.com.vn

According to my testing the current build, version 0.2.149.29, is not affected by this vulnerability.